Puyallup Nazarene Church
Into today's climate, both in the nation and in the church, come the confronting words of Jesus, "Take up your cross and follow me." The Messiah Jesus, the One who delivers, heals and restores calls us to take a different path. He calls us into the Missio Dei--the Mission of God--to draw people of every nation and language into the reality of his liberating love.
Matthew 16:13-20 NIV
The Confession: Jesus' urgent question to the disciples and to us.
Matthew 16:21-23 NIV
The Regression (and seeds of betrayal): Jesus' heart-breaking confrontation.
Matthew 16:24-27 NIV
The Repentance and Realignment: Jesus' clear call to follow him.
Who's lord of the church? Does the church have this Jesus as Lord?
(Want to join the conversation? Email info@pnconline.org and reply "Conversation" or go to Puyallup Naz app/Sunday/Connect Card/Key Word and enter "Conversation".)
Discussion and Application Questions for Group Life Communities and Personal Study-
Read Matthew 16:13-27
Observe
Take time to read the passage… one or several times. What words or ideas captures your attention? Where are words repeated? What is a new thought about the passage? What questions come to mind?
- Where is Caesarea Philippi? Does the name and location have anything to do with the meaning of the story?
- What does the Son of Man mean? Note who people thought the Son of Man was? What is significant about these individuals?
- What are the keys to the kingdom?
Interpret
- There are many names of people and titles in this passage. What is the significance of Jesus giving Simon a new name?
- Why do you think Peter was so strong in his rebuke to Jesus?
- Why did Jesus link Peter to Satan after Jesus praised him earlier in the conversation? In what way did Peter’s view put Jesus ‘in a box’ to conform to Peter’s understanding? How do we minimize Jesus to fit our cultural expectations?
Apply
- What might the Father in heaven want to reveal Jesus to you? (see verse 17)
- Satan shows up in the middle of an encounter with Jesus and his close disciple, Peter. How are we also vulnerable to Satan’s power and influence in the life of our small groups and faith communities? What can you do about it?
- Is Jesus your Messiah/Christ ? How does this declaration effect how you think and how you will live your life this week? Is Jesus above all other idols in your life?
Next week: Next Sunday.....The Mission of God has a Church
